Flow Splitter for Distributing Agricultural Products and Related System

ABSTRACT

A flow splitter for distributing agricultural products may include a splitter body defining an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The flow splitter may also include at least two baffle plates positioned within the splitter body so as to divide an internal flow chamber of the splitter body into a plurality of downstream flow channels. Additionally, the flow splitter may include a divider plate positioned within the splitter body upstream of the baffle plates such that the divider plate is spaced apart from upstream edges of the baffle plates in a direction of the inlet port of the splitter body. The divider plate may be configured to initially divide an input flow of agricultural product received at the input port into two separate product flows for subsequently delivery into the plurality of downstream flow channels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to the distribution of anagricultural product(s), such as granular fertilizer and/or seeds, to anassociated agricultural implement and, more particularly, to a flowsplitter for distributing a flow of agricultural product(s) as well as arelated system incorporating the flow splitter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, agricultural implements, such as planting implements, aretowed behind a tractor or other work vehicle. These implements typicallyinclude one or more ground engaging tools or openers that form a path ortrench for the deposition of an agricultural product(s) (e.g., seeds,fertilizer, etc.) into the soil. For example, the openers are used tobreak the soil to enable seed/fertilizer deposition. After deposition ofthe seeds/fertilizer, each opener may, for example, be followed by apacker wheel that packs the soil on top of the depositedseeds/fertilizer.

In certain configurations, an air cart is used to meter and deliveragricultural product to the ground engaging tools of an agriculturalimplement. For instance, a flow of agricultural product (e.g., carriedby pressurized air) may be delivered from the air cart through one ormore hoses to the implement. In such instance, to allow the flow ofagricultural product to be supplied to the various ground engagingtools, the flow must be split or divided into various different outlethoses via a vertical distribution header or through the use of flowsplitters. Unfortunately, conventional distribution headers tend to bequite bulky, which can lead to issues when folding an implement into itstransport position. To address these issues, individual two-way orthree-way flow splitters have been developed that are designed to splitthe flow of agricultural product into separate output flows that can bedelivered to individual ground engaging tools. However, current flowsplitters known in the art still suffer from various drawbacks,including issues associated with a non-uniform distribution of theagricultural product across each of the outlets of the flow splitter.

Accordingly, an improved flow splitter for distributing a flow ofagricultural product would be welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a flow splitterfor distributing agricultural products. The flow splitter may include asplitter body extending lengthwise between an upstream end and anopposed downstream end. The splitter body may define an inlet port at oradjacent to its upstream end and a plurality of outlet ports at oradjacent to its downstream end. The splitter body may also define aninternal flow chamber extending between the inlet port and the pluralityof outlet ports. The flow splitter may also include at least two baffleplates positioned within the splitter body so as to divide the internalflow chamber into a plurality of downstream flow channels. Eachdownstream flow channel may extend from an upstream edge of one or moreof the baffle plates to a corresponding outlet port of the splitterbody. Additionally, the flow splitter may include a central dividerplate positioned within the splitter body upstream of the baffle platessuch that the divider plate is spaced apart from the upstream edges ofthe baffle plates in a direction of the inlet port of the splitter body.The divider plate may be configured to initially divide an input flow ofagricultural product received at the input port into two separateproduct flows for subsequently delivery into the plurality of downstreamflow channels.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to anagricultural product distribution system. The system may generallyinclude an input tube configured to receive an input flow ofagricultural product, a plurality of output hoses provided downstream ofthe input tube, and a flow splitter provided between the input tube andthe plurality of output hoses for transporting the input flow ofagricultural product from the input tube to the plurality of outputhoses. The flow splitter may include a splitter body extendinglengthwise between an upstream end and an opposed downstream end. Thesplitter body may define an inlet port at, or adjacent to, its upstreamend that is in flow communication with the input tube and a plurality ofoutlet ports at or adjacent to its downstream end, with each of theoutlet ports being in flow communication with a respective output hoseof the plurality of output hoses. The splitter body may further definean internal flow chamber extending between the inlet port and the outletports. The flow splitter may also include at least two baffle platespositioned within the splitter body so as to divide the internal flowchamber into a plurality of downstream flow channels. Each downstreamflow channel may extend from an upstream edge of one or more of thebaffle plates to a corresponding outlet port of the plurality of outletports. Additionally, the flow splitter may include a divider platepositioned within the splitter body upstream of the baffle plates suchthat the divider plate is spaced apart from the upstream edges of thebaffle plates in a direction of the inlet port of the splitter body. Thedivider plate may be configured to initially divide an input flow ofagricultural product received at the input port into two separateproduct flows for subsequently delivery into the plurality of downstreamflow channels.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a work vehicletowing an agricultural implement and an associated air cart inaccordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial, side view of the implement and the aircart shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of anagricultural product distribution system in accordance with aspects ofthe present subject matter, particularly illustrating the systemincluding an input tube, a flow splitter, and a plurality output hoses;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the flow splitter shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the flow splitter shownin FIG. 3, particularly illustrating an upper half of the outer body ofthe flow splitter removed for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the flow splitter shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow splitter shown inFIG. 4 taken about line 7-7;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the flow splitter shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the flow splitter shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to an improved flowsplitter for distributing a flow of agricultural product(s).Specifically, in several embodiments, the flow splitter may include aninlet port and multiple outlet ports, with the inlet port being coupledto an inlet tube or hose (e.g., a dimple tube) and the outlet portsbeing coupled to respective outlet tubes or hoses. In addition, the flowsplitter may include an upstream divider plate for initially dividingthe flow of agricultural product received at the inlet port and two ormore downstream baffle plates for further dividing the flow ofagricultural product into separate flows for delivery through the outletports to the respective outlet hoses. With such a configuration, theupstream divider plate may provide more precise and uniform distributionof the flow of agricultural product within the flow splitter than whatcan be achieved using only the baffle plates.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of a work vehicle 10towing an agricultural implement 12 and an associated air cart 14 isillustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the work vehicle 10, theimplement 12, and the air cart 14. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates anenlarged, partial side view of the implement 12 and the air cart 14shown in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that, although the workvehicle 10 illustrated herein is configured as a tractor, the workvehicle 10 may generally be configured as any suitable work vehicleknown in the art, such as any other agricultural vehicle, and/or thelike. It should also be appreciated that, although the implement 14illustrated herein corresponds to a planting implement or planter, theimplement 14 may generally correspond to any suitable equipment orimplement, such as a seeder, a fertilizer, a tillage implement, and/orthe like.

As particularly shown in FIG. 1, the work vehicle 10 includes a pair offront wheels 16, a pair or rear wheels 18, and a chassis 20 coupled toand supported by the wheels 16, 18. An operator's cab 22 may besupported by a portion of the chassis 20 and may house various controldevices (not shown) for permitting an operator to control the operationof the work vehicle 10. Additionally, the work vehicle 10 may include anengine (not shown) and a transmission (not shown) mounted on the chassis20. The transmission may be operably coupled to the engine and mayprovide variably adjusted gear ratios for transferring engine power tothe wheels 16, 18 via a differential (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the work vehicle 10 is coupled to the implement 12via a hitch assembly 24. It should be appreciated that the hitchassembly 24 may correspond to a hitch of the work vehicle 10 and/or ahitch of the implement 12. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theair cart 14 is configured to be coupled to the implement 12 and is towedbehind the implement 12 during operation and transport. However, inother embodiments, the air cart 14 may be towed directly behind the workvehicle 10. For example, the air cart 14 may be coupled to the workvehicle 10 via the hitch assembly 24, with the implement 12 being towedbehind the air cart 14. In another embodiment, the implement 12 and theair cart 14 may be part of a single unit that is towed behind the workvehicle 10, or elements of a self-propelled vehicle configured todistribute agricultural product across a field.

As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the implement 12 may include a toolframe 26 and one or more ground engaging tools 28 coupled to the toolframe 26. In several embodiments, the ground engaging tool(s) 28 may beconfigured to excavate a trench into the soil 30 to facilitatedeposition of agricultural product. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the ground engaging tools 28 may be configured to receive agranular or particulate-type agricultural product (e.g., seed,fertilizer, etc.) from the air cart 14. It should be appreciated that,although only one ground engaging tool 28 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theimplement 12 may generally include a plurality of ground engaging tools28 to facilitate delivery of agricultural product(s) across a wide swathof soil 30. For instance, in one embodiment, the implement 12 mayinclude twenty-four ground engaging tools 28 spaced apart across thewidth of the implement 12. However, in other embodiments, the implement12 may include any other suitable number of ground engaging tools 28,such as less than twenty-four ground engaging tools or more thantwenty-four ground engaging tools.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air cart 14 includes a storage tank32 for storing an agricultural product(s) to be deposited within thefield. In addition, the air cart 14 may include a frame 34, wheels 36, ametering system 38, and a pressurized air source 40. In severalembodiments, the frame 34 may include a towing hitch (not shown)configured to be coupled to the implement 12 or the work vehicle 10,thereby allowing the air cart 14 to be towed across a field. Moreover,in certain configurations, the storage tank 32 may include multiplecompartments for storing various flowable particulate materials or othergranular agricultural products. For example, one compartment may includeseeds, and another compartment may include a dry/granular fertilizer. Insuch configurations, the air cart 14 may be configured to deliver bothseed and fertilizer to the implement 12 via the same productdistribution system or via separate distribution systems. As indicatedabove, as an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, the air can 14may be disposed between the work vehicle 10 and the implement 12.

In several embodiments, the agricultural product contained within thestorage tank 32 may be gravity fed into the metering system 38, therebyallowing the metering system 38 to distribute a desired quantity of theproduct to the ground engaging tools 28 of the implement 12. A isgenerally understood, the pressurized air flow from the air source 40may then carry the product through one or more hoses 42 to the implement12. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, in several embodiments, the hose 42may be coupled to one or more flow splitters 100 supported on theimplement 12. As will be described below, the flow splitters(s) 100 maybe configured to split the flow of agricultural product into multipleseparate flows, thereby allowing multiple ground engaging tools 28 to besupplied with agricultural product for deposition into the soil 30. Forinstance, in several embodiments, each flow splitter 100 may correspondto a three-way splitter configured to split the flow of agriculturalproduct into three separate flows for delivery to three separate groundengaging tools 28, with each flow being delivered to its correspondingground engaging tool 28 via an output hose 44 coupled between the flowsplitter 100 and the ground engaging tool 28. In such embodiments, eightflow splitters 100 may, for example, be utilized to deliver agriculturalproducts to twenty-four separate ground engaging tools 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-9, several views of one embodiment of a flowsplitter 100 and an associated agricultural product distribution system50 for distributing a flow of agricultural product are illustrated inaccordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically.FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of theagricultural product distribution system 50, particularly illustratingthe system 50 including the flow splitter 100 coupled between anassociated input tube 102 and corresponding output hoses 104. FIGS. 4and 5 illustrate perspective views of the flow splitter 100 shown inFIG. 3, with FIG. 5 illustrating the flow splitter 100 with an upperhalf of its outer body 110 removed for purposes of illustration.Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the flow splitter 100shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of theflow splitter 100 shown in FIG. 4 taken about line 7-7. Moreover, FIGS.8 and 9 illustrate side and front views, respectively, of the flowsplitter 100 shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the flow splitter 100 isconfigured as a three-way splitter such that a flow of agriculturalproduct (e.g., as indicated by arrow 107 in FIG. 3) received via theinput tube 102 is split into three separate flows (e.g., as indicated byarrows 108 in FIG. 3) for delivery to three separate output hoses 104.However, in other embodiments, the flow splitter 100 may be configuredto split the flow of agricultural product into more than three separateflows, such as four or more separate flows for delivery to four or moreseparate output hoses 104.

It should be appreciated that, in general, the input tube 102 maycorrespond to any suitable tube or conduit for supplying agriculturalproduct to the flow splitter 100. However, as shown in FIG. 3, in oneembodiment, the input tube 102 may correspond to a dimple tube includinga plurality of inwardly extending dimples 106 formed along its exterior.In such an embodiment, the dimples 106 may facilitate consistentdistribution of the agricultural product contained within the productflow being supplied into the flow splitter 100 via the input tube 102.

It should also be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the input tube102 may be coupled to or form part of the hose(s) 42 extending from theair cart 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2) such that the flow of agricultural productdirected through such hose(s) 42 is received within the input tube 102.Similarly, in one embodiment, the output hoses 104 may be coupled to orform part of the output hoses 44 described above with reference to FIGS.1 and 2. As such, the flow of agricultural product expelled from theflow splitter may be transported through the hoses 104/44 to eachrespective ground engaging tool 28.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the flow splitter 100 maygenerally include a splitter body 110 defining an internal flow chamber112 (FIGS. 5 and 6) for receiving and containing the flow ofagricultural product being transported between the input tube 102 andthe associated output hoses 104. In general, the splitter body 110 maybe configured to extend in a lengthwise or flow direction (e.g., asindicated by arrow 113 in FIGS. 4-6 and 8) along a central axis 114(FIG. 6) between an upstream end 116 and an opposed downstream end 118.As particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the splitter body 110 may definean inlet port 120 at its upstream end 116 for receiving the flow ofagricultural product from the input tube 102. For instance, as shown inFIG. 3, the input tube 102 may be coupled to the splitter body 110 atthe inlet port 120 such that the flow of agricultural product suppliedthrough the input tube 102 (e.g., from the air cart 14) is receivedwithin the internal flow chamber 112 defined by the splitter body 110.Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the splitter body 110 may define aplurality of output ports at its downstream end 118 for directing theflow of agricultural product supplied through the splitter body 110 tothe associated output hoses 104. For instance, in the illustratedembodiment, when the flow splitter 100 is configured as a three-waysplitter, the splitter body 110 may include three outlet ports (e.g., afirst side outlet port 122, a second side outlet port 124 and a centraloutlet port 126 positioned between the side outlet ports 122, 124)defined at or adjacent to its downstream end 118 for directing the flowof agricultural product to the associated output hoses 104 forsubsequent delivery to the ground engaging tools 28 of the implement 12.In several embodiments, the inlet port 120 and/or the central outletport 126 may be aligned with the central axis 114 of the splitter body110. For instance, the central axis 114 may, in one embodiment, passthrough the center of both the inlet port 120 and the central outletport 126.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7-9, the splitter body 110 maygenerally include upper and lower walls 130, 132 extending in thelengthwise direction 113 between the upstream and downstream ends 116,118 of the body 110 and first and second sidewalls 134, 136 extendingbetween the upper and lower walls 130, 132. In such an embodiment, theinternal flow chamber 112 of the flow splitter 100 may generally bedefined in a heightwise direction of the splitter body 110 (e.g., asindicated by arrow 138 in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7-9) between the upper andlower walls 130, 132 and in a cross-wise direction of the splitter body110 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 140 in FIGS. 4-7 and 9) between theopposed sidewalls 134, 136.

In one embodiment, the upper and lower walls 130, 132 may besubstantially planar and may extend generally parallel to each otherbetween the upstream and downstream ends 116, 118 of the splitter body110. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper and lower walls 130,132 may extend generally parallel to each other such that the splitterbody 110 defines a substantially constant height 142 between itsupstream and downstream ends 116, 118. It should be appreciated that, asdescribed herein, the height 142 of the splitter body 110 definedbetween the upper and lower walls 130, 132 is “substantially constant”if the variation in the height 142 defined at any two locations betweenthe upper and lower walls 130, 132 is less than 20%, such as less than a15% height variation or less than a 10% height variation.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sidewalls 134, 136 of thesplitter body 110 may be configured to transition from a generallycurved profile at the upstream end 116 of the splitter body 110 (e.g.,the curved portion of each sidewall 134, 136 forming the inlet port 120)to a generally planar profile at or adjacent to the downstream end 118of the splitter body 110. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, the sidewalls134, 136 may be configured to taper outwardly as the splitter body 110extends from its upstream end 116 to its downstream end 118, such as bydefining an outward taper angle 144 relative to the central axis 114 ofthe splitter body 110. As such, a cross-wise width 146 (FIG. 6) of thesplitter body 110 may generally increase between the inlet port 120 andthe outlet ports 122, 124, 126, thereby allowing the cross-sectionalflow area defined by the internal flow chamber 112 to be increased asthe flow of agricultural product is supplied from the inlet port 120 tothe outlet ports 122, 124, 126.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 9, the flow splitter 100 may alsoinclude an upstream divider plate 150 and first and second downstreambaffle plates 152, 154 positioned within the splitter body 110. Ingeneral, the divider plate 150 may be configured to divide an upstreamportion of the internal flow chamber 112 of the splitter body 110 intotwo separate flow channels for splitting the flow of agriculturalproduct received at the inlet port 120 of the splitter body 110 into twoseparate upstream product flows (e.g., indicated by arrows 156 in FIG.6). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a first upstream flow channel 158may be defined between the divider plate 150 and the first sidewall 134of the splitter body 110 while a second upstream flow channel 160 may bedefined between the divider plate 150 and the opposed second sidewall136 of the splitter body 110. As such, when a flow agricultural productis received within the splitter body 110 at the inlet port 120, the flowmay be initially divided between the first and second upstream flowchannels 158, 160.

In several embodiments, the divider plate 150 may be configured toextend lengthwise between an upstream edge 168 (FIG. 6) and a downstreamedge 170 (FIG. 6), with the upstream edge 168 of the divider plate 150being positioned at or adjacent to the upstream end 116 of the splitterbody 110. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, the upstream edge 168 of thedivider plate 110 is positioned directly at the inlet port 120 definedat the upstream end 116 of the splitter body 110. However, in otherembodiments, the upstream edge 168 of the divider plate 150 may beoffset from the inlet port 120 such that the upstream edge 168 islocated downstream of the upstream end 116 of the splitter body 110.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the divider plate150 may be configured to extend lengthwise along and/or parallel to thecentral axis 114 of the splitter body 110. As such, a cross-wise width(not shown) of each upstream flow channel 158, 160 may generallyincrease as the flow channel 158, 160 extends towards the downstreamedge 170 of the divider plate 150 due to the tapered configuration ofthe sidewalls 134, 136 of the splitter body 110.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the divider plate 150 may be configured toextend in the heightwise direction 138 of the splitter body 110 the fulldistance or height defined between the upper and lower walls 130, 132such that the upstream flow channels 158, 160 are fluidly isolated fromeach other between the upstream and downstream edges 168, 170 of thedivider plate 150. For instance, as shown in FIG. 9, the divider plate150 may be configured to extend between a top end 172 and a bottom end174, with the top end 172 being coupled to and/or contacting the upperwall 130 of the splitter 110 and the bottom end 174 being coupled toand/or contacting the lower wall 132 of the splitter body 110.

As indicated above, the flow splitter 100 may also include first andsecond baffle plates 152, 154 positioned within the splitter body 110 ata location downstream of the divider plate 150. In general, the baffleplates 152, 154 may be configured to divide a downstream portion of theinternal flow chamber 112 of the splitter body 110 into three separateflow channels for delivering agricultural products to the respectiveoutlet ports 122, 124, 126. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a firstside flow channel 176 may be defined between the first baffle plate 152and the adjacent sidewall 134 of the splitter body 110 for delivering aflow of agricultural product to the first side outlet port 122 while asecond side flow channel 178 may be defined between the second baffleplate 154 and the adjacent sidewall 136 of the splitter body 110 fordelivering a flow of agricultural product to the second side outlet port124. Additionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a centralflow channel 180 may be defined directly between the first and secondbaffle plates 152, 154 for delivering a flow of agricultural product tothe central outlet port 126.

As shown in FIG. 6, in several embodiments, each baffle plate 152, 154may be configured to extend lengthwise between an upstream edge 182 anda downstream edge 184, with the upstream edges 182 of the baffle plates152, 154 being spaced apart from the downstream edge 170 of the dividerplate 150 by a given lengthwise distance 186. Such lengthwise spacingbetween the divider plate 150 and the downstream baffle plates 152, 154may generally allow the separate upstream flows 156 of agriculturalproduct traveling along each side of the divider plate 150 to beadequately distributed between the downstream flow channels 176, 178,180 defined by the baffle plates 152, 154. For instance, a low pressurezone or pocket may be defined directly downstream of the downstream edge170 of the divider plate 150 that serves to draw a portion of eachupstream flow 136 of agricultural product towards the central axis 114of the splitter body 110 to allow a portion of each flow 156 to bereceived within the central flow chamber 180 defined between the baffleplates 152, 154. As such, the flow of agricultural product may beuniformly distributed between the various downstream flow channels 176,178, 180 for subsequent delivery to the respective outlet ports 122,124, 126.

In several embodiments, the lengthwise distance 186 defined between thedivider plate 150 and the baffle plates 152, 154 may be defined as afunction of a length 188 (FIG. 5) of the divider plate 150 between itsupstream and downstream edges 168, 170. For instance, in one embodiment,the lengthwise distance 186 defined between the divider plate 150 andthe baffle plates 152, 154 may be greater than about 50% of the length188 of the divider plate 150, such as a lengthwise distance 186 rangingfrom about 70% to about 110% of the length 188 of the divider plate 150or from about 80% to about 100% of the length 188 of the divider plate150 or from about 85% to about 95% of the length 188 of the dividerplate 150.

As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, each baffle plate 152, 154 may beangled outwardly relative to the central axis 114 of the splitter body110 between its upstream and downstream edges 182, 184 at a baffle angle190 such that a cross-wise width 192 of the central flow channel 180increases as the flow channel 180 extends towards the central outletport 126. In such an embodiment, the baffle angle 190 may be less thanthe taper angle 144 of the sidewalls 134, 136 of the splitter body 110so that a cross-wise width 194 of each side flow channel 176, 178similarly increases as each side flow channel 176, 178 extends towardsits respective outlet port 122, 124. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6,the baffle plates 152, 154 may be offset or spaced apart from thecentral axis 114 of the splitter body 110 in the cross-wise direction140 of the flow splitter 100. For instance, the upstream edge 168 ofeach baffle plate 152, 154 may be spaced apart from the central axis 114by a given cross-wise distance (not shown), with the cross-wise distancedefined between each baffle plate 152, 154 and the central axis 114generally increasing in the downstream direction due to the angledorientation of each baffle plate 152, 154. In one embodiment, the baffleplates 152, 134 may be oriented symmetrically relative to the centralaxis 114. In such an embodiment, the cross-wise distance defined betweenthe first baffle plate 152 and the central axis 114 may be equal to thecross-wise distance defined between the second baffle plate 154 and thecentral axis 114 at each lengthwise station along the baffle plates 152,154 so that the central flow channel 180 is generally centered along thecentral axis 114.

As shown in FIG. 6, in several embodiments, the cross-wise width 192 ofan inlet portion 193 of the central flow channel 180 defined between theupstream edges 182, 184 of the baffle plates 152, 154 may be less thanthe cross-wise width 194 of an inlet portion 195 of each side flowchannel 176, 178 defined between the upstream edge 182 of thecorresponding baffle plate 152, 154 and the adjacent sidewall 134, 136of the splitter body 110. For instance, in one embodiment, thecross-wise width 192 of the inlet portion 193 of the central flowchannel 180 may range from about 30% to about 70% of the cross-wisewidth 194 of the inlet portion 195 of each outer flow channel 176, 178,such as a cross-wise width 192 ranging from about 40% to about 60% ofthe cross-wise width 194 of the inlet portion 195 of each outer flowchannel 176, 178 or a cross-wise width 192 ranging from about 45% toabout 55% of the cross-wise width 194 of the inlet portion 195 of eachouter flow channel 176, 178.

Additionally, in one embodiment, each baffle plate 152, 154 may beconfigured to extend in the heightwise direction 138 of the splitterbody 110 the full distance or height defined between the upper and lowerwalls 130, 132 such that the downstream flow channels 176, 178, 180 arefluidly isolated from one another between the upstream and downstreamedges 182, 184 of the baffle plates 152, 154. For instance, as shown inFIG. 7, each baffle plate 152, 154 may be configured to extend between atop end 196 and a bottom end 198, with the top end 196 being coupled toand/or contacting the upper wall 130 of the splitter body 110 and thebottom end 198 being coupled to and/or contacting the lower wall 132 ofthe splitter body 110.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An agricultural product distribution system,comprising: an input tube configured to receive an input flow ofagricultural product; a plurality of output hoses provided downstream ofthe input tube; and a flow splitter provided between the input tube andthe plurality of output hoses for transporting the input flow ofagricultural product from the input tube to the plurality of outputhoses, the flow splitter comprising: a splitter body extendinglengthwise between an upstream end and an opposed downstream end, thesplitter body defining an inlet port at or adjacent to its upstream endthat is in flow communication with the input tube and a plurality ofoutlet ports at or adjacent to its downstream end, each of the pluralityof outlet ports being in flow communication with a respective outputhose of the plurality of output hoses, the splitter body furtherdefining an internal flow chamber extending between the inlet port andthe plurality of outlet ports; at least two baffle plates positionedwithin the splitter body so as to divide the internal flow chamber intoa plurality of downstream flow channels, each downstream flow channelextending from an upstream edge of one or more of the at least twobaffle plates to a corresponding outlet port of the plurality of outletports; and a divider plate positioned within the splitter body upstreamof the at least two baffle plates such that the divider plate is spacedapart from the upstream edges of the at least two baffle plates in adirection of the inlet port of the splitter body, the divider platebeing configured to initially divide the input flow of agriculturalproduct received at the input port into two separate, substantiallyequal product flows upstream of the at least two baffle plates forsubsequent delivery into the plurality of downstream flow channels. 22.The agricultural product distribution system of claim 21, wherein thesplitter body extends in a cross-wise direction between a first sidewalland a second sidewall, the divider plate being spaced apart equally fromthe first sidewall and the second sidewall in the cross-wise direction.23. The agricultural product distribution system of claim 21, whereinthe divider plate extends lengthwise between an upstream edge and adownstream edge, the upstream edge being positioned at or adjacent tothe upstream end of the splitter body.
 24. The agricultural productdistribution system of claim 21, wherein the splitter body defines acentral axis extending between its upstream and downstream ends, thedivider plate extending lengthwise along the central axis.
 25. Theagricultural product distribution system of claim 24, wherein at leastone of the inlet port or a central outlet port of the plurality ofoutlet ports is aligned with the central axis.
 26. The agriculturalproduct distribution system of claim 24, wherein the at least two baffleplates are angled relative to the central axis.
 27. The agriculturalproduct distribution system of claim 24, wherein the at least two baffleplates are offset from the central axis in a cross-wise direction of thesplitter body, the cross-wise direction extending perpendicular to thecentral axis.
 28. The agricultural product distribution system of claim21, wherein the divider plate defines a length along a lengthwisedirection of the splitter body, wherein the divider plate is spacedapart from the upstream edges of the at least two baffle plates by alengthwise distance in the lengthwise direction that is greater thanabout 50% of the length of the divider plate.
 29. The agriculturalproduct distribution system of claim 28, wherein the lengthwise distanceranges from about 80% to about 100% of the length of the divider plate.30. The agricultural product distribution system of claim 21, whereinthe input tube comprises a dimple tube.
 31. The agricultural productdistribution system of claim 21, wherein the at least two baffle platesinclude a first baffle plate and a second baffle plate spaced apart fromthe first baffle plate in a cross-wise direction of the splitter bodysuch that a first downstream flow channel of the plurality of flowchannels is defined directly between the first and second baffle plates,both of the first and second baffle plates being spaced apart from thefirst and second sidewalls in the cross-wise direction of the splitterbody, the first downstream flow channel extending from an upstream edgeof the first and second baffle plates to a corresponding outlet port ofthe plurality of outlet ports.
 32. The agricultural product distributionsystem of claim 31, wherein the divider plate is substantially alignedwith the first downstream flow channel along the lengthwise direction ofthe splitter body.
 33. A flow splitter for distributing agriculturalproducts, the flow splitter comprising: a splitter body extendinglengthwise between an upstream end and an opposed downstream end, thesplitter body defining an inlet port at or adjacent to its upstream endand a plurality of outlet ports at or adjacent to its downstream end,the splitter body further defining an internal flow chamber extendingbetween the inlet port and the plurality of outlet ports; at least twobaffle plates positioned within the splitter body so as to divide theinternal flow chamber into a plurality of downstream flow channels, eachdownstream flow channel extending from an upstream edge of one or moreof the at least two baffle plates to a corresponding outlet port of theplurality of outlet ports; and a divider plate positioned within thesplitter body upstream of the at least two baffle plates such that thedivider plate is spaced apart from the upstream edges of the at leasttwo baffle plates in a direction of the inlet port of the splitter body,the divider plate being configured to initially divide a input flow ofagricultural product received at the input port into two separate,substantially equal product flows upstream of the at least two baffleplates for subsequent delivery into the plurality of downstream flowchannels.
 34. The flow splitter claim 33, wherein the splitter bodyextends in a cross-wise direction between a first sidewall and a secondsidewall, the divider plate being spaced apart equally from the firstsidewall and the second sidewall in the cross-wise direction.
 35. Theflow splitter claim 33, wherein the divider plate extends lengthwisebetween an upstream edge and a downstream edge, the upstream edge beingpositioned at or adjacent to the upstream end of the splitter body. 36.The flow splitter claim 33, wherein the splitter body defines a centralaxis extending between its upstream and downstream ends, the dividerplate extending lengthwise along the central axis.
 37. The flow splitterclaim 36, wherein at least one of the inlet port or a central outletport of the plurality of outlet ports is aligned with the central axis.38. The flow splitter claim 36, wherein the at least two baffle platesare angled relative to the central axis.
 39. The flow splitter claim 36,wherein the at least two baffle plates are offset from the central axisin a cross-wise direction of the splitter body, the cross-wise directionextending perpendicular to the central axis.